Shelly's blog: "Goals & Dreams"

Date: September 29, 2006 When I became 18yrs old I was hanging out w/ some bad influences who I thought were my friends and did some real stupid shit. I got a bank account and was trying to save money but that didnt last for long because after a couple of years I then started to write some bad checks cause my friends had talked me into it. Once I started it,, and seen how easy it was then I kept going till the checks wouldn't go through anymore. Now it's been like 10yrs and I have been wanting to own my own home so I have something stable for my children. I been through a homebuying education course and got my certificate, plus have spent the last 4-5yrs cleaning up my credit and building credit. The one thing I'm pissed about is that 10yrs ago I recieved a certified letter in the mail at my mother's address and she signed for it knowing I told her to NEVER sign ANYTHING for me. It just happened to be a court document for me to go to court in regards to a few of the bad checks I wrote to Big Bear Company. I of course didn't find this out untill 2yrs later when I was on the computer looking up something else that had to do w/ court. Of course I confronted my mother but it was useless cause she claims she don't remember doing it. Anyhow I found out that I now have a judgement against me for $3,200 when I only owed the company $1,000. If I had known about the court date I would have went and could have worked out payments arrangements or at least been able to defend myself. So now that's the one thing that is holding me up from getting a loan to buy a house for my family. I've worked soo hard to pay alot of things off and clean up my credit etc but I feel though I might have done it for nothing. I'm running out of patience and I really need a bigger home now that I have #4 children instead of #2. I have a #3br half double and my #2 girls share a bedroom as well as the #2 boys but it's just not big enough. The bedrooms are small as it's not enough room for ALL their toys and bunkbeds etc.

date: 02/2007 Hey everyone, I just signed up to earn my high school diploma yesterday and I'm so excited! I'm going to school at Penn Foster High School (online). I've tried for many years to go back to school and get my high school diploma or at least get my GED, but something always got in my way. It was ethier I didn't have a ride, a babysitter, I had to move, or I was in/out of the hospital. I've been on the search lately in the last 2 weeks to find a way I could go back to school that wouldn't cost me alot of money due to I'm on a fixed income, and wanted something to work into my schedule with four kids, appointments,etc. I found Penn Foster online during my search and filled out the form, and they contacted me back within two days. I was in shocked to hear from them so quick, but the most shocking news was when they told me that the total price including books and materials was $985.00! I'm thinking there's no way I could afford that with my income raising four kids. But then more shocking news came and I about fell over sitting in my chair when they told me that all it would cost for me to get started was $10 down and $35 a month for the next 28 months. I said to myself while my tears were building up.... that's something I can afford, and if I want it then I best take it because I may not get anouther chance like this. The best part is... I got 3 yrs to accomplish my goal and I can work at my own pace in the privacy of my own home. My books and materials will be shipped to me within 10-15 days and while studying I can call or email them to get help if needed. I was given my student ID number and was told good luck! Now I can say I have done something with my life and show my kids that even though I made a mistake by dropping out of school it's best to stay in or you will get nowhere in life. We have a big world out there and I want more in life to just sit around and not do anything. I want to see the world and show the world to my kids. I want to go back to work even though all of my doctors say no. But hey there's got to be a job out there or something I could do right? I'm very determined to do something with my life. So I can honestly say... wow look what I've accomplished! My goal after getting my diploma is to go to college and become a secretary. I know I'm very good at being organized & answering phones professionally. In today's world you need a high school diploma for about any job out there. So what do you want to accomplish in your life and what kind of role model do you want to be?